Moving from Durham, NC to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating 1122 mi from Durham to Broken Arrow is a 20h 12m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1122 mi Β· 20h 12m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β AR β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β AR β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Broken Arrow at 89.214 vs Durham at 97.572.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $396,395 to $286,846 moving to Broken Arrow.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Durham (58.4Β°F) and Broken Arrow (60.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.66 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.6% higher in Broken Arrow than Durham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 8.6% lower than Durham (89.214 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1122 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 1122 mi and the route typically takes 20h 12m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $396,395 in Durham β a 27.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $79,234 in Durham β a 7.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Broken Arrow, OK.